LAUSR

Abstract Spherical mesoporous γ-Al2O3 (γ-Al) particles, embedded with magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs), were successfully prepared using a novel approach combining sol-gel and spray pyrolysis methods. Due to the magnetism of the embedded MNPs, the MNP/γ-Al particles can be utilized as recyclable catalyst supports. To demonstrate their recovery efficacy, Pd nanoparticles were impregnated on the surface of the MNP/γ-Al particles using the wetness impregnation method, and the resulting Pd/MNP/γ-Al catalysts were used to catalyze hydrogenation reactions of 4-nitrophenol. We demonstrated that when the magnetic nanoparticles were embedded in the catalysts, the recovery efficiency of the catalysts was further improved under the magnetic field.